The Croix de Coeur is visible high above – it looks a daunting challenge. This photo taken later in the ride shows the Croix de Coeur with respect to Verbier village and the sprawl of chalets above Verbier:

Still searching for fitness, I found the last steep kilometre hard going:

The summit exposes another valley and views into the Valais. And lots of high, snow covered mountains in the other direction.

From the Cross is an amazing ridge road – completely flat – for almost 5 kilometres that heads straight towards a ski lift and big snow covered mountains. Half way is a very dark tunnel …. but I didn’t expect to see any cars (see photo below).

Much of my route follows the beginning of the Grand-Raid cycling event – it looks incredible but perhaps too tough for me.

At the ski lift I took the road to Chaux for the views. In summer, there is perhaps more to explore. Once I saw a giant penguin (stork?, puffin?), I decided it was time to head back.

I doubled back to the ski lift – and as marked on the map – descended a good quality gravel road until rejoining the main road. This gravel stretch is steep but certainly climb-able.

the route up to Croix de Coeur is paved until about 1900 metres. The last 3 steep kilometres are gravel road and unfortunately not suitable for a road bike – I used a hybrid. The entire ridge ride is gravel.

I have a warm spot in my heart for Verbier as it was my first stage victory in 2008 – 2 hours before the pros .

I did this climb today (with the boring extra km from Sembrancher, good to warm up with). It is asphalted all the way to the top. I mentioned it to a local who said that he thought it must have been paved last year.